"There will be immediate and long-term benefits for the bookstore in having a larger space, and the opportunity to expand their selection of goods."

The plan to develop a new larger community bookstore started three years ago when Sherri Bocchini, associate director of university development, fostered a relationship with community philanthropists Mary and Ruth Stedman.

The Stedman family is known for the chain of book and stationery stores that originated in Brantford over 100 years ago. To honour this family tradition, the Stedman sisters each donated $250,000 to create the new bookstore. Ruth has since passed away, but the sisters' shared vision of bringing a thriving community bookstore back to the downtown will be realized Friday.

"We will also be providing an aboriginal gift selection, as well as many local and Canadian authors," she added. "We hope to make it clear that everyone is invited to shop."

While the Stedman Community Bookstore will offer the necessary textbooks and school supplies for Laurier Brantford students, there is now a focus on incorporating the larger community.

"The store will be open for everyone, and we hope to continue the revitalization of downtown through retail," said Klein. "[This will give] residents a reason to come downtown to do some shopping, especially at this holiday season."

In the long-term, he added, the increased community participation in the building will "allow the bookstore to expand their social events to include author readings, community sales and other events which will bring the community onto campus."

No new staff will be added, Brickman said, but those who are on the payroll now can expect a bump in their hours.

As for student shoppers, some are excited for the new space and what it represents.

"I'm really excited because this will be a good boost for school morale and for the community," said Sarah Detzler, a fourth-year Laurier student. "It represents our growth and shows that we're more like a bigger school and not just a small satellite campus. We're growing into our own."

After the grand opening, the bookstore will host a community day Saturday, offering a chance for people to pose for photos with Santa and the university's Golden Hawk mascot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also will offer refreshments, free giftwrapping with a donation to the food bank, merchandise discounts and Hawk holiday T-shirt giveaways.

It promises to be the first of many community-focused events on campus.

"The grand opening will be an opportunity to get people into the store, and show them that it is more than just a university bookstore," Klein said.

"As Laurier Brantford continues to expand, we want the community to be a part of the growth -come to the bookstore, come downtown and see the changing face of Brantford. This is such an exciting time for the city, and we are so pleased to be a part of it."